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Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps

Obesity Prevalence in 2016 by Education and Age

Obesity decreased by level of education. Adults without a high school degree or equivalent had the highest self-reported obesity (35.5%), followed by high school graduates (32.3%), adults with some college (31.0%) and college graduates (22.2%).

Young adults were half as likely to have obesity as middle-aged adults. Adults aged 18-24 had the lowest self-reported obesity (17.3%) compared to adults aged 45-54 years who had the highest prevalence (35.1%).

Obesity Prevalence in 2016 Varies Across States and Territories

All states had more than 20% of adults with obesity.

20% to less than 25% of adults had obesity in 3 states (Colorado, Hawaii, and Massachusetts) and the District of Columbia.

25% to less than 30% of adults had obesity in 22 states and Guam.

30% to less than 35% of adults had obesity in 20 states, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands.

35% or more adults had obesity in 5 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia).

The South had the highest prevalence of obesity (32.0%), followed by the Midwest (31.4%), the Northeast (26.9%), and the West (26.0%).

Prevalence¶ of Self-Reported Obesity Among U.S. Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2016¶

Prevalence estimates reflect BRFSS methodological changes started in 2011. These estimates should not be compared to prevalence estimates before 2011.

Changed System, New Baseline

Like all public health surveillance systems, BRFSS must occasionally change its methods to adapt to the changing world and to maintain validity. The improvement changes to the BRFSS affect obesity prevalence estimates, and mean that estimates from data collected in 2010 and before cannot be compared estimates from data collected in 2011 and forward. Learn more about the changes to the BRFSS.